The preservation and transmission of culture and religion among Dietsche (Low German) Mennonite returnees to southern Manitoba

Abstract:

Like many immigrants to Canada, the Dietsche (Low German) Mennonites face challenges of retaining and propagating their culture and religion to the next generations. This thesis explores the extent that Dietsche Mennonite mothers have been able to preserve and transmit their culture and religion to the next generation in southern Manitoba. I conducted thirteen interviews questioning respondents about their concerns with and strategies for preservation and transmission, as well as about their relationships with other Mennonites and Canadians. I used John Berry's acculturation typology to analyze the data and compared their experiences with other immigrant women. Despite preservation of some traditions, over time many support interactions and contacts with those outside Dietsche circles. While a few of the women used more separationist strategies than others, the majority used a variety of strategies, evidence the non-linear fashion of acculturation.